The Brilliance of Autumn

As each moment echoes the almost imperceptible shift of sunlight, of moon glow, decreases and increases of temperature, the mood of the altering season embraces me in softening, sensual awareness, comfort, and inward movement.

The crispness of circulating air and drying flowers, becoming brilliant hues of a natural spectrum, transforming leaf color from green to red, orange, yellow, pinks and brown, a freefall detaching to earth, crumpling as I walk underfoot. Is not Fall the apex of the summer harvest, a poignant expression of reflective light manifesting before us?

Last night while sitting outside eating dinner and listening to music embraced by the cool breeze and easy release of daytime temperatures, my body relaxed, so pleased that the enormous heat of summer 2023 was no longer present and I could let go as I learned from the trees.

Gratitude was in my mind, thankfulness for the ability of nature with its seasons to still change despite the overarching march of climate change. I was in amazement of how the temperatures of the year could influence my disposition, emotions, and thinking. Who is this being that floats in and out of balance and equanimity? One so easily influenced by the circumstances and conditions of life.

I long for the steadiness of mind, of a gentle repose of spirit, and a lingering attitude of a caring love that interacts with all animate beings and all inanimate sources of earth and planetary reality. I no longer want the suffering emotions enclosed by thoughts of panic and fear; embroiled in heat waves of anger, frustration and rage; dripping in sorrow and sadness. The Buddha asked us to awaken to the truths of illness, injury, aging and death. He reassured us that the reason for these afflictive conditions was clinging, wanting, craving. He promised us that it was possible for these negative states to cease if we followed the Noble Eight Fold path to happiness. I honor this confidence as it emerges through my meditation, mindful, and Buddhist practice. He has let us know time again that if we release unnecessary suffering and we follow the way to compassion and wisdom we can come to peace and composure.

The brilliance of the autumn sky, crystal, clear blue, with a panorama of vivid colored leaves, inspires my heart to rejoice as I see no need to hold on to anything and allow the flux of the Fall to enrapture my spirit and all our spirits in the promise of awakening.

In Lovingkindness,

Lhasha